Glass fiber funding: The stony path to the fast internet in rural regions

Glass fiber funding: The stony path to the fast internet in rural regions

Berlin (dpa) - The expansion of fast internet in Germany develops more slowly than hoped. So far, only 25 percent of the funding that the federal government has made available for around 16 billion euros since 2015 have been accessed. More than eleven billion euros remain unused, while the federal government hopes to pay these funds in full.

late progress in digital infrastructure

fiber optic technology is considered indispensable for a future -proof digital infrastructure. This is an internet connection in which fiber optic cables are laid to the house or the apartment. This technology (FTTH - Fiber to the Home) enables faster and more stable connections than conventional methods such as DSL or cable Internet. Despite the high demand and the nationwide objective of offering fiber optic connections wide area by 2030, the reality is still far away.

hurdles when calling for the medium call

The process of applying medium -sized application is characterized by complex processes. Municipalities must previously carry out a market exploration process and then apply for the funding. After approval, tenders and building applications follow before work can actually be started. These bureaucratic hurdles can bring delays of up to seven years, as Sven Knapp emphasizes from the Federal Association of Broadband Communication (BREKO). Despite these difficulties, more than 3,000 projects are in the works that are supposed to create a total of around four million new fiber optic connections.

funding for rural regions

The Federal Government aims primarily at rural or structural areas with its gigabit funding. "90 percent of the expansion takes place in our own business, i.e. without public support," explains the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital. State funding remains important here to estimate where the private sector does not invest. In the case of current development, however, it should be noted that the funding has been reduced: Instead of the three billion euros planned so far, only two billion euros will be provided this year.

risks and opportunities for digital participation

The inadequate use of the funding provided is a challenge for the digital future of Germany. Especially in less densely populated regions there is a risk that the digital gap continues to grow if the expansion does not progress quickly. It is therefore crucial that the bureaucratic processes are optimized and the funds are called up efficiently. The federal government has plans to solve these problems, but the implementation is as a complex.

an outlook on the digital future

The discussion about fiber optic promotion brings central questions about digital participation and infrastructure development. In order to meet the objectives of the federal government, acceleration of the process and more realistic planning and implementation is required. This is the only way to assert itself as a competitive location in the digital age, at the same time the quality of life in rural regions will improve that have so far been affected by digital isolation.